Best Colors To Wear To A Job Interview (With Examples)

Color psychology plays a significant role in how we perceive emotions and impressions. Imagine influencing an interviewer’s perception simply through your choice of color. A well-chosen hue could evoke happiness or inspire confidence, while a poor choice might lead to negative feelings or distractions.

It’s essential to choose wisely; certain colors can create a comforting atmosphere, while others may unintentionally prompt an interviewer to think about their lunch plans instead of your qualifications.

Key Takeaways:

• When selecting colors for an interview, prioritize neutral shades such as black, navy, or gray.

• If you wish to incorporate a bright color, consider using it in accessories like ties, scarves, or jewelry.

• Avoid outfits with multiple colors or bold patterns, as these can be distracting to your interviewer.

The Best Colors to Wear to a Job Interview

1. Black. Black represents strength and authority, making it a classic choice for interviews. Recruiters often associate it with power, helping to project confidence. However, avoid black if you’re interviewing for a customer-facing role where approachability is key.

2. Navy. This color is universally flattering and evokes feelings of trust and reliability, suggesting that you’re a strong team player. Navy is suitable for power roles, while light blue may be better for creative or client-focused positions.

3. Grey. As a versatile neutral, grey can convey practicality and logic. A lighter grey presents a softer image, while a dark charcoal exudes authority, allowing you to tailor your choice based on the job type.

4. White. A white shirt can convey honesty and dependability. Pairing white with your primary color enhances your overall appearance without overwhelming it.

5. Red. Known as a power color, red can express passion; however, moderation is key. Instead of a full red outfit, opt for a red accessory to strike the right balance.

Why Colors Matter for a Job Interview

Understanding how colors influence mood is crucial. Colors can be categorized in various ways, impacting perceptions and emotions during interviews:

• Saturation. This refers to how pure a color appears. For example, bright fuchsia is more saturated compared to a muted dusty rose.

• Brightness. Brightness indicates how light a color appears; adding light to a sapphire blue makes it more vibrant.

• Warm Colors. These colors, like reds and oranges, evoke feelings of warmth and can create an energetic atmosphere.

• Cool Colors. Greens and blues are calming and can instill a sense of peace, which can be beneficial in an interview setting.

How to Wear Colors at a Job Interview

To make a lasting impression on a hiring manager, stick to neutral colors like navy, brown, black, and grey as your foundation. Then, introduce subtle pops of color through accessories. Here’s how:

• On your tie

• In jewelry or hair accessories

• As a scarf

• In a patterned shirt or blouse

• A pocket square

• A belt on a dress

• Your handbag, purse, or briefcase

Colors to Avoid on a Job Interview

Just as there are colors to wear, there are shades to avoid in a professional setting. While you can wear them, it’s generally advisable to steer clear of the following:

1. Brown. Though a neutral, brown may appear passive during an interview and does not convey the enthusiasm that hiring managers often seek.

2. Orange. Often perceived as unprofessional, orange may detract from your suitability for a position, despite its creativity.

3. Yellow. While cheerful, yellow can be overly loud and distracting, making it less suitable for interviews.

4. Purple. Bright purple can come across as too fun or even arrogant; opting for a softer lavender may be more appropriate as an accent color.

5. Multi-colored Outfits. Outfits with multiple colors or bold patterns can be overwhelming. It’s best to choose a solid neutral and incorporate subtle pastels or whites for balance.

Specific Colors and Associated Moods

Extensive research has shown how colors influence feelings. Here’s a summary of common associations:

The color RED is linked to:

• Intensity

• Energy

• Passion

• Strength

• Danger

• Food/hunger

The color ORANGE is linked to:

• Heat

• Aggression

• Desire

• Warmth

• Success

• Youthfulness

The color YELLOW is linked to:

• Optimism

• Cheerfulness

• Energy

• Abundance

• Caution

• Food/hunger

The color GREEN is linked to:

• Wealth

• Nature

• Freshness

• Calm

• Soothing

• Health

The color BLUE is linked to:

• Trust

• Security

• Peacefulness

• Business

• Wisdom

• Integrity

The color PURPLE is linked to:

• Royalty

• Luxury

• Calmness

• Mystery

• Creativity

• Wisdom

The color BLACK is linked to:

• Power

• Formality

• Sophistication

• Mystery

• Independence

The color WHITE is linked to:

• Cleanliness

• Purity

• Positivity

• Freshness

• Hope

Colors Matching the Character

Color preferences can reveal aspects of your personality or character, and can even hint at suitable career paths.

Consider your favorite color. What does it say about you?

• Red. Suggests ambition and high energy, often suited for leadership roles.

• Orange. Indicates sociability and creativity, ideal for roles in design or the arts.

• Yellow. Associated with perfectionism and a fun-loving nature, suitable for performance or fast-paced environments.

• Green. Represents a desire for security and likability, making individuals with this preference ideal for counseling or social work.

• Blue. Indicates loyalty and a principled nature, often making them great accountants or bankers.

• Brown. Suggests an appreciation for routine and simplicity, making them well-suited for office roles or library jobs.

• Black. Signifies independence and leadership abilities, fitting for executives or politicians.

• White. Represents honesty and openness, often thriving in environments that require fairness, such as education or social work.

Remember, color preferences are not fixed. They can evolve over time, and it’s insightful to explore their potential implications for your career choices.

Colors to Wear to a Job Interview FAQs

1. Does it matter what color I wear to a job interview?

   Yes, it matters what color you wear to a job interview. Your clothing is a crucial part of your first impression. Avoid overly bright colors or distracting patterns to maintain a professional appearance.

2. What is the best color to wear to a job interview?

   The best colors for a job interview are black, gray, or navy. Keep your outfit simple and lean towards dark or neutral tones for a professional look.

3. What colors should I not wear to a job interview?

   Avoid bright colors during a job interview. Steer clear of bold shades like yellow, orange, and red. You can incorporate these colors as accents, but it’s best to keep them minimal to complement your overall appearance.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the psychology of color can significantly influence how you present yourself in job interviews.

Wearing neutral tones like blacks and greys can help you create a strong first impression and convey professionalism. While brighter colors can be appealing, it’s wise to use them sparingly to ensure you remain the focal point of the conversation.

References

1. U.S. Department of Labor – Interview Tips

Author

Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.